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Game wardens in Texas work for the state’s Parks and Wildlife Department, which considers its game wardens to be the best trained in the country.
In fact, training for new recruits involves catching alligators and taping their mouths shut, something wardens are often called in to do when these giant reptiles stray into populated areas.
The state’s game wardens play an important law enforcement role. In addition to arresting poachers hunting game in protected wilderness areas, the large amount of waterways in Texas are perennial sources of poaching. Fishermen from Mexico have been known to cross into US gulf waters at night to poach millions of pounds of fish.
Other facets of the job include monitoring the natural resources of their jurisdiction and collecting data on bird, mammal, and fish populations.
While the work of a Texas game warden is both physically and mentally challenging, many people are drawn to this career. The Texas Park and Wildlife Department receives many applications each year for a very limited number of positions.
Texas Game Warden Eligibility Requirements
The ideal candidates for game warden positions in Texas are hands-on, physically skilled men and women with a strong sense for the rule of law, and an understanding of how important it is to preserve the state’s natural resources.
Applicants for these positions will face fierce competition, so the more they study the application process and plan ahead for it, the more effectively they can showcase the skills and experience that demonstrate their suitability for a Texas game warden position.
Basic Texas Park and Wildlife Department Job Qualifications
Applicants can find additional information about becoming a game warden along with job postings on the website of the Texas Park and Wildlife Department. Eligibility criteria are shown below:
Age: 18 years of age or older at the time of academy training
Citizenship: Proof of U.S. citizenship or of permanent resident alien status for those who are eligible and have applied for citizenship. Must be a Texas resident at the time of appointment.
License: A valid Texas-issued driver’s license is required. Individuals must agree to participate in driver training programs through the state as they arise or as needed.
Military Service: Applicants who are former members of the United States military require ‘Under Honorable Conditions’ discharge documentation.
Work Eligibility: New employees must present original documents that establish identity and eligibility for U.S. employment opportunities as per federal law – applicants must be eligible to accept employment before the process continues
Background and Legal History: Candidates should be aware that they are subject to a comprehensive background investigation in order to continue the application process. Disqualifying elements include:
- Evidence of poor moral character
- Conviction for any felony or Class A Misdemeanor offense at any time
- Conviction for any Class B Misdemeanor offense within 10 years prior to application date
- Conviction for DWI (driving while intoxicated), DUID (driving under the influence of drugs) and BWI (boating while intoxicated)
- Conviction of any family violence offense
- On court-ordered supervision, probation or parole for any criminal offense beyond that of Class C Misdemeanor.
- Found to currently be using illegal drugs
Academic Credentials: Applicants must have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree program from an accredited college or university. Prior military or law enforcement experience is not a substitute for the education requirements.
Physical Readiness Requirements and POST Training
Additional Requirements:
- POST certified Peace Officer
- Game Warden Applicant Medical Release form signed by physician
- Game Warden Cadet Applicant Informed Consent for Physical Readiness Test form
- Driver's license
Interview: Candidates will have a face-to-face panel interview during the later stages of the application process
Medical Condition: The applicant must be examined by a licensed physician to ensure that they are in good health.
Hearing: The applicant must be able to hear 35 decibels or less at 500, 1000, 2000 and 3000 Hz either with hearing aids or unaided.
Vision: Vision corrected to 20/30 in each eye; binocular. If vision is corrected by eyeglasses, the minimum standard is 20/40 and 20/100. If vision is corrected by soft contact lenses, the minimum standard is 20/200 in each eye. Applicants must have ‘normal’ peripheral vision, ‘normal’ night vision, and not be affected by red-green colorblindness.
Physical Readiness: The applicant must be in sound physical condition and able to swim. Applicants must successfully complete each component of the physical readiness testing:
- 21 sit-ups in one minute
- 13 push-ups in one minute
- 5 mile run in maximum 21 minutes 36 seconds
- 300 meter sprint in maximum 109 seconds
- Dry fire of a duty weapon via five consecutive trigger pulls with each hand from a standing position
- Dry fire of a duty weapon via both hands in an unsupported kneeling position
- Fall backward into the water and remain afloat for 1 minute, then swim 100 meters without assistance or resting in maximum 5 minutes.
- Perform a surface dive under a 4-foot submerged barricade during the 100 meter swim.
Psychological Condition: The applicant must be in suitable psychological and emotional health to complete training and be eligible for hire
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Desired Qualifications
- Use and carry various firearms safely and effectively
- Capable of patrolling on foot, on horseback, by plane, boats, and in a variety of vehicles
- Demonstrate an aptitude for collecting and preserving evidence, writing reports, and testifying in court.
- Ability to promote and coordinate hunter education programs
- Ability to collect and report information on the conditions of fish and wildlife and their habitat
- Willingness to enthusiastically and professionally represent the agency at Texas schools and meetings of special interest groups
- Effectively operate and negotiate a vehicle on rough terrain
- Professional development or college courses in natural resource management, criminology, psychology, business management or sciences
- Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, database and email software in a networked environment
- Ability to make minor vehicle repairs
- Ability to use professional level English grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and composition; reading and comprehension
- Ability to use foundational math skills including advanced arithmetic, payroll/accounts receivable, and estimation
- Additional languages are an asset
Salaries for Game Wardens with Texas Parks and Wildlife
Game wardens in Texas earn high salaries compared to their colleagues in other parts of the country. For instance, the average salary of $64,917 ($31.21 hourly) exceeded the national average by more than $13,000 as of 2015 according to the Texas Workforce Commission.
Even the average entry-level salary for game wardens in Texas exceeded the overall national average. Game wardens just starting out in Texas averaged $54,558 ($26.23 hourly). The median salary among game wardens in Texas was $68,835 ($30.69 hourly), while those in the top 10% earned an average of $76,502 ($36.78).
Location significantly affects the salaries of game wardens in Texas. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that these two areas were among the top paying metropolitan areas in the country for wardens:
- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land – 5th highest
- Austin-Round Rock – 6th highest
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department presented its salary schedule based on time in service with as of 2017:
- Game Warden Cadet – $40,350
- Game Warden I (Probationary) – $44,082
- Game Warden I (1 year) – $53,242
- Game Warden II (4 years) – $64,919
- Game Warden III (8 years) – $69,541
- Game Warden IV (12 years) – $72,613
- Game Warden V (16 years) – $75,968
- Game Warden VI (20 years) – $77,846
In addition, the Department provides a stipend of $600 - $1,800 a year allocated for each warden’s education and/or certification. The Department also pays an extra $600 a year to game wardens who speak a second language.
Texas Parks and Wildlife
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX 78744
Phone: (512) 389-4800
https://tpwd.texas.gov/warden/recruiting-careers/career
School Programs
| Program | Programs Offered |
|---|---|
Abilene Christian University 1600 Campus Court, Abilene, TX 79699 Phone: (325) 674-2000 |
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Alvin Community College 3110 Mustang Rd, Alvin, TX 77511-4898 Phone: (281) 756-3500 |
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Amarillo College 2011 S. Washington, Amarillo, TX 79109 Phone: (806) 371-5000 |
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Angelina College 3500 South First, Lufkin, TX 75902-1768 Phone: (936) 639-1301 |
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Angelo State University 2601 W. Avenue N, San Angelo, TX 76909 Phone: (325) 942-2555 |
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Austin College 900 N Grand Ave, Sherman, TX 75090-4400 Phone: (903) 813-2000 |
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Austin Community College District 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752 Phone: (512) 223-7000 |
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Baylor University 500 Speight Ave., Waco, TX 76798 Phone: (254) 710-1011 |
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Blinn College 902 College Ave, Brenham, TX 77833-4098 Phone: (979) 830-4000 |
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Brookhaven College 3939 Valley View Ln, Farmers Branch, TX 75244-4997 Phone: (972) 860-4700 |
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Cedar Valley College 3030 North Dallas Ave, Lancaster, TX 75134-3799 Phone: (972) 860-8201 |
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Central Texas College 6200 West Central Texas Expressway, Killeen, TX 76549-4199 Phone: (254) 526-7161 |
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Cisco College 101 College Heights, Cisco, TX 76437 Phone: (254) 442-5000 |
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Clarendon College 1122 College Drive, Clarendon, TX 79226 Phone: (806) 874-3571 x107 |
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Coastal Bend College 3800 Charco Rd, Beeville, TX 78102 Phone: (361) 354-2200 |
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College of the Mainland 1200 Amburn Road, Texas City, TX 77591-2499 Phone: (409) 938-1211 |
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Collin County Community College District 3452 Spur 399, McKinney, TX 75069 Phone: (972) 881-5790 |
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Concordia University-Texas 11400 Concordia University Dr., Austin, TX 78726 Phone: (512) 313-3000 |
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Dallas Baptist University 3000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75211-9299 Phone: (214) 333-7100 |
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Del Mar College 101 Baldwin Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78404-3897 Phone: (361) 698-1255 |
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East Texas Baptist University One Tiger Drive, Marshall, TX 75670-1498 Phone: (903) 935-7963 |
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Eastfield College 3737 Motley Dr, Mesquite, TX 75150-2099 Phone: (972) 860-7100 |
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El Centro College 801 Main Street, Dallas, TX 75202-3604 Phone: (214) 860-2037 |
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El Paso Community College 9050 Viscount Blvd, El Paso, TX 79925 Phone: (915) 831-2000 |
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Frank Phillips College 1301 W. Roosevelt St., Borger, TX 79008-5118 Phone: (806) 457-4200 |
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Galveston College 4015 Ave Q, Galveston, TX 77550-7496 Phone: (409) 944-1220 |
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Grayson College 6101 Grayson Drive, Denison, TX 75020-8299 Phone: (903) 465-6030 |
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Hardin-Simmons University 2200 Hickory, Abilene, TX 79698-0001 Phone: (325) 670-1000 |
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Hill College 112 Lamar Dr, Hillsboro, TX 76645 Phone: (254) 659-7500 |
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Houston Baptist University 7502 Fondren Rd, Houston, TX 77074-3298 Phone: (281) 649-3000 |
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Howard College 1001 Birdwell Lane, Big Spring, TX 79720 Phone: (432) 264-5000 |
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Howard Payne University 1000 Fisk St., Brownwood, TX 76801-2794 Phone: (325) 646-2502 |
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Huston-Tillotson University 900 Chicon St, Austin, TX 78702-2795 Phone: (512) 505-3000 |
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Jarvis Christian College PR 7631,Hwy 80 E, Hawkins, TX 75765-1470 Phone: (903) 730-4890 |
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Kilgore College 1100 Broadway, Kilgore, TX 75662-3299 Phone: (903) 984-8531 |
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Lamar State College-Orange 410 Front St, Orange, TX 77630 Phone: (409) 883-7750 |
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Lamar State College-Port Arthur 1500 Proctor St, Port Arthur, TX 77640 Phone: (409) 984-6342 |
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Lamar University 4400 MLK Blvd, Beaumont, TX 77705 Phone: (409) 880-7011 |
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Laredo Community College West End Washington St, Laredo, TX 78040-4395 Phone: (956) 721-5140 |
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Lee College 511 S Whiting, Baytown, TX 77520 Phone: (281) 427-5611 |
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LeTourneau University 2100 S Mobberly Ave, Longview, TX 75607-7001 Phone: (903) 233-3000 |
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Lone Star College System 5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381-4399 Phone: (832) 813-6500 |
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Lubbock Christian University 5601 19th Street, Lubbock, TX 79407-2099 Phone: (806) 796-8800 |
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McLennan Community College 1400 College Dr, Waco, TX 76708 Phone: (254) 299-8622 |
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McMurry University S 14th and Sayles Blvd, Abilene, TX 79697 Phone: (325) 793-3800 |
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Midland College 3600 N Garfield, Midland, TX 79705 Phone: (432) 685-4500 |
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Midwestern State University 3410 Taft Blvd, Wichita Falls, TX 76308-2099 Phone: (940) 397-4000 |
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Mountain View College 4849 West Illinois Ave., Dallas, TX 75211-6599 Phone: (214) 860-8680 |
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Navarro College 3200 W 7th Avenue, Corsicana, TX 75110 Phone: (903) 874-6501 |
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Northwest Vista College 3535 N. Ellison Drive, San Antonio, TX 78251 Phone: (210) 486-4000 |
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Odessa College 201 W University Blvd, Odessa, TX 79764 Phone: (432) 335-6400 |
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Our Lady of the Lake University 411 SW 24th St, San Antonio, TX 78207-4689 Phone: (210) 434-6711 |
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Palo Alto College 1400 W Villaret Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78224-2499 Phone: (210) 486-3000 |
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Panola College 1109 W Panola Street, Carthage, TX 75633-2397 Phone: (903) 693-2000 |
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Paris Junior College 2400 Clarksville St, Paris, TX 75460 Phone: (903) 785-7661 |
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Paul Quinn College 3837 Simpson Stuart Rd, Dallas, TX 75241 Phone: (214) 379-5577 |
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Prairie View A & M University FM 1098 Road & University Drive, Prairie View, TX 77446 Phone: (936) 261-3311 |
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Remington College-Dallas Campus 1800 Eastgate Dr, Garland, TX 75041 Phone: (972) 686-7878 |
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Remington College-Fort Worth Campus 300 E. Loop 820, Fort Worth, TX 76112-1225 Phone: (817) 451-0017 |
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Remington College-Houston Campus 3110 Hayes Road Suite 380, Houston, TX 77082 Phone: (281) 899-1240 x205 |
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Remington College-North Houston Campus 11310 Greens Crossing Blvd, Ste 300, Houston, TX 77067 Phone: (281) 885-4450 |
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Rice University 6100 S Main, Houston, TX 77005-1827 Phone: (713) 348-0000 |
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Saint Edward's University 3001 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704-6489 Phone: (512) 448-8400 |
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Sam Houston State University 1806 Ave J, Huntsville, TX 77340 Phone: (936) 294-1111 |
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San Antonio College 1300 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212-4299 Phone: (210) 486-0000 |
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San Jacinto Community College 8060 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77501-2007 Phone: (281) 998-6150 |
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Schreiner University 2100 Memorial Blvd, Kerrville, TX 78028-5697 Phone: (800) 343-4919 |
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South Plains College 1401 S. College Ave, Levelland, TX 79336 Phone: (806) 894-9611 x2175 |
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South Texas College 3201 W Pecan, McAllen, TX 78502-9701 Phone: (956) 872-8311 |
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Southern Methodist University 6425 Boaz St, Dallas, TX 75275-0221 Phone: (214) 768-2000 |
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Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf 3200 Ave C, Big Spring, TX 79720-7298 Phone: (432) 264-3700 |
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Southwest Texas Junior College 2401 Garner Field Rd, Uvalde, TX 78801-6297 Phone: (830) 278-4401 |
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Southwestern Adventist University 100 W Hillcrest, Keene, TX 76059 Phone: (817) 645-3921 |
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Southwestern University 1001 University Ave, Georgetown, TX 78626 Phone: (512) 863-6511 |
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St Mary's University One Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, TX 78228 Phone: (210) 436-3011 |
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St Philip's College 1801 Martin Luther King Dr, San Antonio, TX 78203-2098 Phone: (210) 486-2000 |
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Stephen F Austin State University 2008 Alumin Drive, Rusk 206, Nacogdoches, TX 75961 Phone: (936) 468-2011 |
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Sul Ross State University HWY 90 East, Alpine, TX 79832 Phone: (432) 837-8011 |
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Tarleton State University 1333 W. Washington, Stephenville, TX 76401-0000 Phone: (254) 968-9000 |
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Tarrant County College District 1500 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102-6524 Phone: (817) 515-8223 |
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Temple College 2600 S 1st St, Temple, TX 76504-7435 Phone: (254) 298-8282 |
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Texarkana College 2500 N Robison Rd, Texarkana, TX 75599 Phone: (903) 823-3456 |
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Texas A & M International University 5201 University Blvd, Laredo, TX 78041-1900 Phone: (956) 326-2001 |
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Texas A & M University-Central Texas 1001 Leadership Place, Killeen, TX 76549 Phone: (254) 519-5400 |
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Texas A & M University-College Station 805 Rudder Tower, College Station, TX 77843-1244 Phone: (979) 845-3211 |
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Texas A & M University-Commerce 2600 South Neal, Commerce, TX 75429-3011 Phone: (888) 868-2682 |
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Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi 6300 Ocean Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78412-5503 Phone: (361) 825-5700 |
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Texas A & M University-Kingsville 955 University Blvd, Kingsville, TX 78363 Phone: (361) 593-2111 |
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Texas A & M University-Texarkana 7101 University Avenue, Texarkana, TX 75503 Phone: (903) 223-3000 |
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Texas Christian University 2800 S University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76129 Phone: (817) 257-7000 |
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Texas College 2404 N. Grand Avenue, Tyler, TX 75702 Phone: (903) 593-8311 x2297 |
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Texas Lutheran University 1000 W. Court St, Seguin, TX 78155-5999 Phone: (830) 372-8000 |
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Texas Southern University 3100 Cleburne St, Houston, TX 77004 Phone: (713) 313-7011 |
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Texas State Technical College-Harlingen 1902 North Loop 499, Harlingen, TX 78550-3697 Phone: (956) 364-4000 |
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Texas State University 601 University Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone: (512) 245-2111 |
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Texas Tech University Broadway and University Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79409-5005 Phone: (806) 742-2011 |
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Texas Wesleyan University 1201 Wesleyan St, Fort Worth, TX 76105-1536 Phone: (817) 531-4444 |
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Texas Woman's University 304 Administration Dr, Denton, TX 76201 Phone: (940) 898-2000 |
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The University of Texas at Arlington 701 S. Nedderman Dr., Arlington, TX 76013 Phone: (817) 272-2011 |
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The University of Texas at Austin 110 Inner Campus Drive, Austin, TX 78712 Phone: (512) 471-3434 |
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The University of Texas at Brownsville One West University Boulevard, Brownsville, TX 78520 Phone: (956) 882-8201 |
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The University of Texas at Dallas 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021 Phone: (972) 883-2111 |
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The University of Texas at El Paso 500 W. University Ave, El Paso, TX 79968-0691 Phone: (915) 747-5000 |
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The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249-1644 Phone: (210) 458-4011 |
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The University of Texas at Tyler 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75799-6699 Phone: (903) 566-7000 |
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The University of Texas of the Permian Basin 4901 E University, Odessa, TX 79762-0001 Phone: (432) 552-2020 |
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The University of Texas-Pan American 1201 W University Dr, Edinburg, TX 78539-2999 Phone: (956) 665-2011 |
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Trinity University One Trinity Place, San Antonio, TX 78212-7200 Phone: (210) 999-7011 |
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Tyler Junior College 1400 East Fifth Street, Tyler, TX 75701 Phone: (903) 510-2200 |
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University of Dallas 1845 E Northgate Drive, Irving, TX 75062-4736 Phone: (972) 721-5000 |
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University of Houston 212 E. Cullen Building, Houston, TX 77204-2018 Phone: (713) 743-1000 |
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University of Houston-Clear Lake 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058-1002 Phone: (281) 283-7600 |
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University of Houston-Downtown 1 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002-1014 Phone: (713) 221-8000 |
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University of Houston-Victoria 3007 N. Ben Wilson, Victoria, TX 77901 Phone: (877) 970-4848 |
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University of Mary Hardin-Baylor 900 College St, Belton, TX 76513-2599 Phone: (800) 727-8642 |
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University of North Texas 1501 W.Chestnut Ave., Denton, TX 76203-1277 Phone: (940) 565-2000 |
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University of North Texas at Dallas 7300 University Hills Blvd, Dallas, TX 75241 Phone: (972) 780-3600 |
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University of St Thomas 3800 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006-4696 Phone: (713) 522-7911 |
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University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9096 Phone: (214) 648-3606 |
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University of the Incarnate Word 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209 Phone: (210) 829-6000 |
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Vernon College 4400 College Dr., Vernon, TX 76384-4092 Phone: (940) 552-6291 |
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Wayland Baptist University 1900 W 7th St., Plainview, TX 79072 Phone: (806) 291-1000 |
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West Texas A & M University 2501 4th Ave, Canyon, TX 79016-0001 Phone: (806) 651-0000 |
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Western Texas College 6200 College Ave, Snyder, TX 79549 Phone: (325) 573-8511 |
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Wharton County Junior College 911 Boling Hwy, Wharton, TX 77488 Phone: (979) 532-4560 |
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Wiley College 711 Wiley Ave, Marshall, TX 75670 Phone: (903) 927-3300 |
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